Details

This solid brick Colonial Revival double house on the Battery at 46 Murray Blvd. is known as the Dr. Robert Barnwell Rhett House. Situated on two lots in Charleston’s premier South of Broad residential neighborhood, it boasts sweeping views of the Ashley River. Completed in 1928, it incorporates 1830s woodwork secured from the Holmes Mansion at 19 East Battery, before that home was demolished. Notable exterior details include a columned demilune portico accessed by sweeping twin staircases and topped with a balustrade, fan lights both above the front door and in the pediment, 12-over-12 windows, and double side piazzas.

The house sits on a raised basement that provides storage space. It is separated from the street by a brick and iron fence which features iron work by Philip Simmons. The gate is significant for having been wrought in one of his first heart designs. All ironwork has been fully restored. A large side lawn overlooked by a porch is perfect for entertaining. Century-old majestic live oaks dominate the yard. There is ample off-street parking. Beautifully landscaped gardens lead back to an in-ground pool and pool pavilion with wet bar, half bath and outdoor shower.

Inside, the grand entry hall is dominated by the reclaimed Federal hand-pierced woodwork that was installed without nails. It is flanked by formal living and dining rooms with views of the Battery and Ashley River. Each has a gas fireplace with faux coal insert and intricate Adams mantle. The substantial wainscoting, window molding and crown molding are also from the Holmes Mansion. An arched passageway from the living room leads to a half bath and handsome library/den to the back of the house. The dining room has built-in corner china cabinet and a door that opens to the Tuscan-columned, brick side porch. Hardwood floors flow throughout the living areas.

The large kitchen features cork floors and a pressed tin ceiling. An eat-in area has built-in shelves to display your china and glassware. Black granite countertops provide plenty of prep space and the stainless steel appliances include a professional 6-burner gas stove with griddle, plus a wall oven and microwave. A back porch has been converted to sunroom off the kitchen and an office with a beautiful stained glass door insert. Both rooms boast views of the lush, tranquil back yard garden and pool. The original brick porch floor remains under the hardwoods.

Upstairs are 3 bedrooms with en-suite full baths. The front bedroom has fireplace with a mantle taken from the same house as the downstairs woodwork. The master suite has commanding views of the Battery via access to a half-moon balcony off the front of the house. Its sitting room has a fireplace with a marble mantle and French doors that lead to the second-floor side piazza. The master bathroom has cork floors, a walk-in closet, a Jacuzzi tub in a mirrored alcove, and his and hers vanities with marble countertops. The stair landing hall has bookshelves and space for a second floor sitting room.

The third floor features an oculus window that provides a birds-eye view of the back yard, garden and pool. A large bonus room with a walk-in closet and full bath is the fourth bedroom. A laundry and storage room complete this level.